City of Springfield to open warming shelter Sunday

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Ohio is expected to have its first frigid blast of the season starting late this weekend and heading into next week. Some areas may even see some snow.

In preparation, the City of Springfield is opening one of its warming centers so residents can stay warm. 

Sunday night and Monday night, temperatures are expected to dip below freezing into the 20s in Springfield, according to weather forecasts. 

The warming shelter, located at The Salvation Army, 15 S. Plum St., will be open from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sunday through Tuesday. 

Springfield city officials said guests will get dinner and breakfast, and case management services will be available to help individuals with housing resources, mental health support and more. There will also be separate areas for men, women and children. 

“When temperatures drop, no one in our community should be left without a safe place to go,” said Logan Cobbs, director of community development. “This effort shows what’s possible when government and local nonprofits come together to respond with compassion and action.”

City officials said the’ll continue to monitor weather conditions and will decide if the shelter needs to stay open a few extra days.

The warming shelter is operated by the City of Springfield and the Nehemiah Foundation, and it’s supported with a Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

“We’re all working together to meet both the immediate and long-term needs of our neighbors,” said Aaron Roy, director of the Faith Community Crisis Response Team at the Nehemiah Foundation. “A warm meal and a safe place to rest can open the door to hope—and to resources that help people move forward.”